Fracture toughness of ceramics

ABSTRACT

A method of making ceramics is provided. The method comprises preparing a dispersion of a nano-material. A slurry of a ceramic matrix material is prepared. The nano-dispersion is mixed with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is dried. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is pressed into a final manufacture comprising a granular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure. The manufacture comprises an increased fracture toughness compared with a conventional manufacture produced without bonding the nano-material within the granular structure. The nano-material has a size on the order of tens of nanometers. The matrix material has a size on the order of several micrometers. Five percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. Sintering is performed on the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step. The sintering process includes a hot isostatic pressing process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/284,329, filed Dec. 15, 2009 and entitled “MATERIALS PROCESSING,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of materials science. More particularly, the present invention relates to ceramic manufactures and a novel method of making

BACKGROUND

In many applications a ceramic is utilized because of the desired properties the ceramic exhibits. The hardness of ceramics make them suitable in applications from knives to ball bearings to armored vests. The heat resistance property of certain ceramics makes them suitable for such applications as heat ablative tiles or jet engine turbine blades. Some ceramics also possess the property of superconductivity and some other ceramics behave as semiconductors.

Composite ceramics are formed of more than one material such as a combination of ceramic material reinforced with some kind of particulate matter. Composite ceramics are desirable since, in addition to their high hardness, the composite can also possess a greater fracture toughness, which includes the ability to resist fracture. Present methods used to produce composite ceramics are costly, inefficient and complicated. Many such methods typically require a time consuming milling process.

Accordingly, it is desirable to create an efficient and inexpensive method to produce ceramics having improve material characteristics, and especially fracture toughness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

A first aspect of the present invention is for a method of making ceramics. The method comprises preparing a dispersion of a nano-material. A slurry of a ceramic matrix material is prepared. The nano-dispersion is mixed with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. In one embodiment, the mixing includes pouring the matrix slurry into the nano-dispersion while agitating. Alternatively, the mixing includes pouring the nano-dispersion into the matrix slurry while agitating. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is dried. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is pressed into a final manufacture comprising a granular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure. The manufacture comprises an increased fracture toughness compared with a conventional manufacture produced without bonding the nano-material within the granular structure.

The method includes providing the nano-material with a size on the order of tens of nanometers before the dispersion preparing step. A micron sized matrix material is provided on the order of several micrometers before the slurry preparing step. One percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. Alternatively, 0.5-10.0 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. In yet another alternative, 0.5-20.0 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. Sintering is performed on the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step. The sintering process includes a hot isostatic pressing process. The manufacture includes the nano-material bonded at triple points of the granular structure. The drying of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture includes a spray drying process.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plot of fracture toughness of a ceramic compared with a metal in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial of a manufacture with improved fracture toughness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of making a ceramic with improved fracture toughness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for the purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

Turning to FIG. 1, a plot 10 of fracture toughness of a ceramic compared with a metal is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Fracture toughness is a term in the field of material science that describes the characteristic of a material that has a crack to resist fracture. More specifically, fracture toughness describes a resistance of a material to a brittle fracture when a crack is present in the material. Brittle fracture occurs when the material exhibits no apparent plastic deformation prior to the fracture, in contrast to a ductile fracture, which is when the material exhibits extensive plastic deformation prior to the fracture. A ceramic will exhibit a low fracture toughness 12A, while a metal will exhibit a significantly higher fracture toughness 12B. A method of the invention as described below produces a ceramic having an increased fracture toughness 12A′.

Hardness is a quality also shown in the plot of FIG. 1. Hardness is a term that describes the characteristic of a solid material to resist deformation. A metal will exhibit a low hardness 14A, while a ceramic will exhibit a significantly higher hardness 14B.

Turning to FIG. 2, a partial of a manufacture 200 with improved fracture toughness is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The manufacture 200 comprises a composite of a ceramic material 201 and nanoparticles or nano-material 206. The ceramic material 201 can comprise any a number of suitable ceramic materials depending on a particular application. In an exemplary embodiment the ceramic material 201 comprises a material from a group of non-oxide ceramics. The non-oxide ceramics can include, but are not limited to, any of the carbides, borides, nitrides and silicides. An example of a suitable non-oxide ceramic can include, for example, silica carbide and boron carbide. In an alternative embodiment, the ceramic material 201 can comprise an oxide ceramic material, for example, alumina and zirconia. In yet another embodiment, the ceramic material 201 can comprise a combination of oxide and non-oxide materials. The method as described in detail below produces the manufacture 200 in a final form that includes grains 204 having a crystalline or granular structure propagated throughout the manufacture 200. In some embodiments, the granular structure of the manufacture 200 comprises grains 204 having an average grain boundary distance or diameter 208 of one to several micrometers. In some embodiments, the average grain diameter 208 equals approximately one micrometer. In some embodiments, the ceramic particles 201 have an average grain size greater than or equal to 1 micron. In some embodiments, the ceramic particles 201 have an average grain size of approximately 40 microns.

The nano-material 206 can also comprise any a number of suitable ceramic materials that can be utilized depending on a particular application. In an exemplary embodiment, the nano-material 206 comprises a material from a group of non-oxide ceramics. Examples of suitable non-oxide ceramics can include titanium carbide or titanium diboride. In an alternative embodiment, the nano-material 206 can comprise an oxide ceramic material, for example, alumina and zirconia. In yet another embodiment, the nano-material 206 can comprise a metallic material.

The novel method of the invention produces the manufacture 200 having nano-particles 206 bonded within the grains 204. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles 206 are bonded within the grains 204 of the ceramic material 201 such that a bonding force between the nanoparticles 206 and the ceramic material 201 are believed to be present in addition to an inherent ionic or covalent bond of the ceramic material 201. A surface 202 of the manufacture 200 reveals that the nanoparticles 206 are substantially uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure. Additionally, the manufacture 200 includes the nanoparticles 206 substantially uniformly distributed throughout a three dimensional volume of the manufacture 200. A novel result of the method includes the nanoparticles substantially uniformly distributed at triple points 210 of the ceramic material 201. The nanoparticles 206 comprise an average diameter suitable for bonding within the grains 204 of the ceramic material. In some embodiments, the nano-particles 206 have an average grain size less than or equal to 10 nm. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles 206 have an average diameter of approximately 10 to 40 nm. In some embodiments, the average diameter of the nanoparticles 206 is 20 nm+/−10 nm.

Turning to FIG. 3, a method is shown of making a ceramic with improved fracture toughness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method step 310 comprises providing a quantity of nanoparticles 206 which are suitable for bonding with ceramic material. Preferably, the nanoparticles 206 comprise an average diameter of 5-15 nm+/−4 nm. The nanoparticles 206 can be in the form of a powder. The nanoparticles 206 can be formed by introducing micron sized material into a plasma process such as described and claimed in the co-owned and co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/110,341, filed Apr. 19, 2005, and titled “High Throughput Discovery of Materials Through Vapor Phase Synthesis,” and the co-owned and co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/151,935, filed May 8, 2008, and titled “Highly Turbulent Quench Chamber,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if set forth herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the nano-particles are produced and provided under completely inert conditions, which can be achieved in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the plasma process described above is performed in an oxygen free environment, with the plasma gun being run with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, and a reducing gas, such as hydrogen. In some embodiments, the produced nano-particles are then collected under inert conditions in a glove box. In some embodiments, an inert gas, such as argon, is present in the glove box prior to the nano-particles being placed in it. Since the residual amount of oxygen in the nano-particles is key for the success of the subsequent sintering process, which will be discussed below, it is preferable to minimize, if not completely eliminate, the amount of oxygen present in the nano-particle environment.

The method step 320 comprises providing a quantity of ceramic matrix material 201. In some embodiments, the matrix material 201 comprises an average grain diameter of 500-600 nm. Alternatively, the matrix material can comprise an average grain diameter of one micrometer. The matrix material 201 typically comprises a powered substance.

The method step 330 comprises preparing a dispersion 332 of the nanoparticles 206 of the step 310. The dispersion 332 comprises a suspension of the nanoparticles 206 in a suitable liquid or suspension liquid. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles 206 can comprise TiC with an average diameter of 5-15 nm+/−4 nm. The nanoparticles 206 preferably comprise 0.5-20% of the dispersion 332. Alternatively, the nanoparticles 206 can comprise 0.5-10% of the dispersion 332. In another alternative, the nanoparticles 206 can comprise approximately 1.0% of the dispersion 332. In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension liquid comprises water and a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid comprises water, a surfactant, and a dispersant.

In some embodiments, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant is some type of polyethylene oxide material. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a non-volatile oxazoline-type compound. One suitable example of a surfactant that is a non-volatile-type compound is sold under the name Alkaterge™. It is contemplated that other surfactants can be used for the dispersion. In some embodiments, the dispersant is SOLSPERSE® 4600, manufactured by Lubrizol Corporation. However, it is contemplated that other dispersants can be used for the dispersion. The surfactant can comprise ten percent of the suspension liquid. Any suitable surfactant can be used. In an alternative embodiment, a wetting agent can also be included in the suspension liquid. The wetting agent can be five percent relative to water of the suspension liquid. Alternatively, the suspension liquid comprises an alcohol. Other liquids known to a person of skill can also be utilized. The dispersion 332 comprises a pH suitable for best mixing results with a slurry 342 of the step 340. In an exemplary embodiment, the pH of the dispersion 332 comprises abase. In another embodiment, the base pH comprises a 7.5 pH.

The concentrations by weight of the nano-particles, water, surfactant, and dispersant in the dispersion can be varied depending on the application and all ranges are within the scope of the present invention. However, testing has shown that certain concentrations provide better results than others. For example, a low weight percentage for the nano-particles results in better mixing with the ceramic slurry, which will be discussed in further detail below. In some embodiments, the nano-particles comprise 0.5-20% of the dispersion. However, testing has shown that a nano-particle concentration of 10% or greater does not result in good mixing with the ceramic slurry. In some embodiments, the nano-particles comprise 0.5-10% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the nano-particles comprise approximately 10% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the nano-particles comprise approximately 1.0% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises approximately 10% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises approximately 3% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the dispersant comprises approximately 5% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the dispersant comprises approximately 2% of the dispersion. In some embodiments, water comprises approximately 85% of the dispersion. Depending on the desired ratio and the process to be performed, the dispersion can be further diluted by simply adding more water to the already formed dispersion.

Once the nano-particles are in the dispersion liquid, it is no longer required to provide an inert environment through the use of the glove box or similar means. The dispersion liquid provides a stable environment for the nano-particles 514. The container 512 holding the dispersion 522 can be removed from the glove box 516 and operated on further.

A feature of the method of the invention contemplates that the dispersion 332 comprises a substantially uniform distribution of the nanoparticles 206 within the liquid. The uniform dispersion 332 facilitates a uniform diameter of the nanoparticles 206 in the suspension and prevents forming large aggregations of the nanoparticles 206. A high concentration of large aggregations of nanoparticles 206 can inhibit the desired uniform distribution of the nanoparticles 206 within the grains 204 of the manufacture 200.

Some embodiments include agitating the dispersion of nano-particles in order to help completely and uniformly disperse the nano particles in the dispersion liquid. In a preferred embodiment, sonication is used to agitate the dispersion and disperse the nano-particles within the liquid. A sonicator can be placed in and provide sonic energy to the dispersion. Dry nano-particles have a tendency to stick together due to Van der Waals forces. As a result, the nano-particles can form loose agglomerates in the dispersion liquid, with surfactant polymer chains floating around in the liquid. The sonic energy from the sonicator causes the agglomerates to break up. The dispersant absorbs onto the surface of the nano-particles and coats them. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersant is chosen so that one portion of the dispersant couples onto the surface of the nano-particle and the other portion couples into the water, thereby helping the nano-particles stay afloat and dispersed. The surfactant remains in the solution, while some of it is absorbed onto the edge of the nano-particles. The surfactant chains repel each other, thereby preventing the particles from agglomerating again. The length of the sonication depends on the volume of the dispersion liquid. In some embodiments with a small dispersion volume, the sonication is performed for between 30 minutes and 1 hour. In some embodiments with a large volume, the sonication is performed for half a day.

The method step 340 comprises preparing a slurry 342 of the ceramic matrix material 201 of the step 320. The slurry 342 preferably comprises a viscous suspension of the ceramic matrix material 201 in a suitable liquid. The ceramic matrix material 201 can comprise SiC with an average diameter of 500-600 nm. The ceramic matrix material 201 can comprise 50% of the slurry 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension liquid comprises water. Other liquids known to a person of skill can also be utilized. The slurry 342 can include various additives or binders that facilitate a mixing, a drying and a sintering step described later below. The slurry 342 comprises a pH suitable for best mixing results with the dispersion 332. In an exemplary embodiment, the pH of the slurry 342 comprises a base. In one embodiment, the base pH comprises an 8.0-9.0 pH. In another embodiment, the base pH comprises an 11.0 pH.

The method step 350 comprises mixing the nano-dispersion 332 with the matrix slurry 342 to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352. The mixing of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 can comprise suitable agitation methods known to a person of skill. The mixing of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 produces a dispersion of the nanoparticles 206 within the matrix slurry so that the nanoparticles 206 are uniformly distributed throughout the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352. In an exemplary embodiment, the mixing comprises slowly pouring the slurry 342 into the dispersion 332. Preferably, the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 is sonicated during the pouring of the slurry 342. A sonicating horn can be dipped in the dispersion 332 while pouring the slurry 342. A stir bar can optionally be placed in the dispersion 332 during the pouring of the slurry 342. The stir bar can be used to agitate the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 while pouring the slurry 342. The percentage of the nano dispersion/slurry mixture 352 that comprises the nano-dispersion 332 can vary between 0.5% to 20%. Alternatively, the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 comprises 0.5% to 10% of the nano-dispersion 332. In another alternative embodiment, the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 comprises 0.5% to 3.0% of the nano-dispersion 332.

Preferably, the slurry is poured, pumped, or otherwise moved into a container already holding the nano-particle dispersion, not the other way around. Although it is counterintuitive, test results have shown that movement of the ceramic slurry into the nano-particle dispersion provides a much better dispersion of nano-particles in the resulting mixture than if the nano-particle dispersion were moved into the ceramic slurry. It is believed that the relatively large size of the ceramic particles in the ceramic slurry and the accompanying velocity help break through and break up the nano-particles in the dispersion. When the nano-particles are poured into the ceramic slurry, they have a tendency to clump together rather than disperse.

However, in some embodiments, the mixing comprises slowly pouring the dispersion 332 into the slurry 342. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 is sonicated during the pouring of the dispersion 332. A sonicating horn can be dipped in the slurry 342 while pouring the dispersion 332. A stir bar can be placed in the slurry 342 during the pouring of the dispersion 332. The stir bar can be used to agitate the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 while pouring the dispersion 332. Other mixing techniques known to a person of skill the art can be substituted for the mixing and agitation described above.

In some embodiments, the nano-particles account for 0.5% to 20% by weight of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. In some embodiments, the nano particles account for 0.5% to 10% by weight of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. In some embodiments, the nano-particles account for 0.5% to 3.0% by weight of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. In some embodiments, the nano-particle dispersion and the ceramic slurry are configured so that the weight percentage of the nano-particles will be a certain percentage even after combined with the ceramic slurry and the water is pulled off. In some embodiments, the nano-particle dispersion and the ceramic slurry are configures such that the ratio of the ceramic material 201 to the nano-particles 206 in the fully dried manufacture 200 is 99:1. In some embodiments, the nano-particles account for approximately 1% by weight of the nano-dispersion, while the ceramic particles account for approximately 35-50% by weight of the ceramic slurry.

In some embodiments, the nano-dispersion comprises a pH suitable for best mixing results with the ceramic slurry. The pH of the dispersion can be manipulated using additives. In an exemplary embodiment, the pH of the dispersion is slightly basic, as testing has shown that such a configuration provides the best mixing results. In some embodiments, the pH of the dispersion is 7.5. In some embodiments, the slurry comprises a pH suitable for best mixing results with the dispersion. In an exemplary embodiment, the slurry has a basic pH value. In one embodiment, the slurry comprises a pH of 8.0-9.0. In another embodiment, the slurry comprises a pH of 8.0-11.0.

In some embodiments, various additives or binders that facilitate mixing, drying, and sintering can be added to the ceramic slurry before the slurry is combined and/or mixed with the nano-dispersion. In some embodiments, various additives or binders that facilitate mixing, drying, and sintering can be added to the ceramic slurry after the slurry is combined and/or mixed with the nano-dispersion.

In one embodiment, the various additives or binders that facilitate mixing, drying and sintering can be added to the slurry 342 before the mixing step of step 350. Alternatively, the additives or binders can be added to the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 after the mixing step 350.

The method step 360 comprises drying the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352. In an exemplary embodiment, a spray drying process is utilized to dry the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352. The spray drying process comprises loading a spray gun and spraying the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 into a closed compartment, for example, a glove box. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 is sprayed within the compartment and then allowed to dry. As the drying process proceeds, appreciable amounts of the liquid of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 evaporate to result in a powdered form or a premanufacture 368. In an alternative embodiment, the method step 360 comprises a freeze drying process. Freeze drying comprises placing the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 into a freeze dryer and allowing the liquid of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture 352 to evaporate until what results comprises the powdered form or premanufacture 368.

The process step 365 comprises the premanufacture 368 which is the result of the drying step 360. The prernanufacture 368 comprises the nanoparticles 206 uniformly distributed throughout the ceramic matrix material 201.

The method step 370 comprises a process to make the powdered premanufacture 368 a ‘green’ body. Making the powdered premanufacture 368 ‘green’ facilitates a removal of any organic binders remaining in the powdered premanufacture 368. Making the powdered premanufacture 368 green comprises placing the powdered premanufacture 368 of the method step 365 into a mold and pressing the powdered premanufacture 368 to form a molded premanufacture 372. In one embodiment, the molded premanufacture 372 is dried using a low temperature furnace. Alternatively, the molded premanufacture 372 can be dried using a convection drying oven.

The method step 380 comprises a process of sintering the molded premanufacture 372. The sintering process comprises using any of a variety of sintering processes. In an exemplary embodiment, the sintering process comprises a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process. The hot isostatic pressing comprises placing the molded premanufacture 372 into a HIP furnace where the molded premanufacture 372 is heated under pressure. The HIP process facilitates a removal of porosity within the molded premanufacture 372. In an alternative embodiment, a liquid phase sintering process as practiced in the art can be used for the method step 380. In yet another embodiment, a simple hot pressing process as practiced in the art can be used.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a result of the method 300 comprises the manufacture 200 with improved fracture toughness in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The manufacture 200 comprises a composite of a ceramic material 201 and nanoparticles or nano-material 206. A novel feature of the method 300 produces the manufacture 200 comprising the nanoparticles 206 uniformly distributed throughout the ceramic material 201. This complete and uniform distribution of nano-particles throughout the tile or manufacture is achieved by the unique characteristics of the nano-dispersion and the novel method of combining and mixing the ceramic slurry with the nano-dispersion. By efficiently distributing the nano-particles 206 throughout the manufacture 200, the present invention significantly reduces crack propagation. When a crack propagates through a tile, it loses energy every step of the way along the tile, until it eventually stops. By placing the nano particles in the ceramic tile, the crack eventually finds a nano-particle as it propagates through the tile. It then has to move around that nano-particle because it cannot go through it. It then runs into another nano-particle and has to move around that nano-particle. Every time the crack hits a nano-particle, it dissipates energy. Since there are so many nano-particles in the tile and they are so well dispersed throughout the tile, the nano-particles provide a very high surface area for the crack to hit. As a result, the crack energy dissipates very quickly and the length of the cracks is very short. A ceramic tile with the nano-particles dispersed throughout in accordance with the principles of the present invention is significantly more efficient than a standard ceramic tile.

Although it is counterintuitive, putting something that is small into a ceramic actually makes the ceramic stronger. However, the importance is not only in the strength increase, but with the accompanying increase in fracture toughness. While the present invention is suitable for a variety of different applications, all of which are within the scope of the present invention, it is particularly useful in for body armor, such as bullet-proof vests. The present invention's complete dispersion of the nano-particles throughout a ceramic tile makes the tile more ductile and less brittle, which is key for a soldier because it has the potential to be a multi-hit plate instead of merely a single-hit plate. Additionally, since the tile is stronger, it can be made a little bit thinner and therefore lighter, which is extremely beneficial when it comes to body armor.

While the invention has been described with reference to numerous specific details, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making ceramics comprising: providing a nano-material with an average diameter of 1-15 nanometers, wherein the nano-material is created using a plasma process; preparing a dispersion of the nano-material, wherein the nano-material comprises 0.5-20 wt % of the dispersion; preparing a slurry of a ceramic matrix material; mixing the nano-dispersion with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture, wherein 0.5-20 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion; drying the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture; and pressing the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture into a final manufacture comprising a granular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing comprises pouring the slurry into the dispersion while agitating the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing comprises pouring the dispersion into the slurry while agitating the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a micron sized matrix material having an average grain size greater than or equal to 1 micrometer before the slurry preparing step.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein one percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein 0.5-10.0 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising sintering the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sintering process comprises a hot isostatic pressing process.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the manufacture includes the nano-material bonded at triple points of the granular structure.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the drying of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises a spray drying process.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the drying of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises a freeze drying process.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-material comprises an oxide ceramic material.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the nano-material comprises a metallic material.
 14. A method of making ceramics comprising: providing a non-oxide ceramic nano-material with an average diameter of 1-15 nanometers, wherein the nano-material is created using a plasma process; preparing a dispersion of the non-oxide ceramic nano-material, wherein the nano-material comprises 0.5-20 wt % of the dispersion preparing a slurry of a ceramic matrix material; mixing the nano-dispersion with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture, wherein 0.5-20 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion; drying the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture; and pressing the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture into a final manufacture comprising a granular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the granular structure.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mixing comprises pouring the slurry into the dispersion while agitating the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the mixing comprises pouring the dispersion into the slurry while agitating the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a micron sized matrix material having an average grain size greater than or equal to 1 micrometer before the slurry preparing step.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein one percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein 0.5-10.0 percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising sintering the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the sintering process comprises a hot isostatic pressing process.
 22. The method of claim 14, wherein the manufacture includes the nano-material bonded at triple points of the granular structure.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein the drying of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises a spray drying process.
 24. The method of claim 14, wherein the drying of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises a freeze drying process. 